Pheromone Research

Pheromones are molecular signals animals send each other to indicate sexual
state, agression, identity, and other psychological states. In some
ways pheromones are similar to odors but may not be handled by the same
physiological mechanisms. The word pheromone comes from the
Greek words Pheran (to transfer) and Horman (to excite) Researchers
have shown that the human VNO (Vomeronasal organ) is connected directly
to the limbic system, that part of the brain that is responsible for exploration,
flight or fight, for identifying with the environment and reacting to it.
The limbic system is also responsible for controlling emotional and behavioral
patterns. Major histocompatibility complex (MCH) genes are among the most
diverse of all genes, constituting, in essence, a genetic signature of
the individual. MHC genes help the body to recognize its own healthy cells,
to identify invading pathogens and to reject foreign tissues and may transfer
signals via pheromones.
(modified from John Morgenthale The
Pheromone Revolution)

Research on Artificial Noses (academic and commercial)

Artificial Noses use a variety of experimental technologies to sense and
interpret molecules in the air usually associated with odors. Typically
a device determines a profile of molecules and uses sophisticated analysis
algorithms. to match it against pre-stored templates associated with particular
odors. For example,At the California Institute of Technology (Caltech),
Nathan Lewis is building on the idea of conductive polymers by adding carbon
black (in essence, soot) to the polymer. This provides the necessary variety
of response because the task of conducting the electricity is taken over
by the carbon black. The resistance of a detector changes as the polymer
swells in response to its reaction with the odour molecules and thus alters
the connections between the particles of carbon black. The University of
Illinois project uses spectroscopic analysis of the gas samples.
Other gas sensors use these technologies: metal oxide, conducting polymer,
acoustic wave (bulk and surface), field-effect transisitors, electrochemical,
pelistors and fibre-optic.

**Note this section is being generated as part of new
book Information
Arts:Intersections of Art, Science and Technology by Stephen Wilson
(Publishedby MIT Pess, 2001). The page is in state of constant revision.
Feel free to use these resources for non- commercial purposes but please
attribute source. Copyright, 1999-2001 Stephen Wilson